Thursday, November 27, 2008

Today as we celebrate Thanksgiving with our families and friends, will you truly take time out to reflect on what you are thankful for?

I have been doing that quite often this year. Pretty much on a daily basis...being thankful. For my health, for my life, for all I have, my family and friends, the opportunities that come my way and the love that surrounds me.

Abundance can be brought into your life if you declare to the universe that you are thankful. This can easily be done on a daily basis. I find that I'm in a better mood when I take time to appreciate something that makes me happy and be thankful for it. My heart seems to fill with happiness...

What are you thankful for?

I think many, many people take for granted what they have in their life. Maybe focusing only on the negatives...the problems, the stresses, the little things that may annoy or aggravate you. We might forget what we have and appreciate them.

Count your blessings. Take a moment each day and be thankful for something in your life. As you're driving in your car or sitting quietly by yourself, even while watching TV... just take a minute and be thankful.

As you see something that excites you or makes you feel good, as you smell food cooking, drive to work, come home to family, enjoying the company of friends or even your pet, your many possessions, your health and so on...be thankful!

Some people are not blessed as you and I are. Many have worse problems or live in worse conditions and/or simply do not have all that we have.

Take a break during your day...starting today...and be thankful and count your blessings...ask the universe for more of what makes you happy. Be positive and say...I like this...bring more more!

Saturday, November 22, 2008

I recently saw a TV commercial showing what it is like for the children living near a landfill in Payatas. It truly tugs at your heart. The conditions in which these children and families live in are horrendous. Just to survive they must pick through this landfill for any item they can sell to get money. All they want to do is feed themselves. Could you imagine if your own children had to pick through garbage to survive? There is a youtube video entitled Christmas For Payatas and the url is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUBVKLZXK3E. Please watch for yourself what these children and families must go through on a daily basis just to survive for one day!

If during the Holiday season you volunteer your services or donate to a charity, please consider Christmas for Payatas. Join the many celebrities and other organizations in their efforts to raise money this Christmas season.

The landfill in Payatas, The Philippines, is notoriously known the world over as Smokey Mountain. For over 35 years, the smoking dump site has grown to become a stark and heart-tugging reminder of the desperate conditions of humanity.

On a daily basis, children pick through newly arrived garbage tocollect material to sell. The earnings made by one child are not enough to even buy food for the day. Hence, entire families are forced to climb the mountain each day, hoping to earn enough to feed everyone. Children as young as four years old are forced to work in this daily struggle for survival.

In response to the plight of these children, Totedaddy.com is working with Lighthouse Center For Children Foundation to bring a little cheer to the children this Christmas.

Totedaddy.com has kicked off with a cash sponsorship of USD 10,000 to enable the children to celebrate Christmas. FusionExcel International has also pitched in a USD 5,000 in cash sponsorship. The money raised will help fund the projects already in place, and help fund additional projects aimed at providing better housing, and a means of livelihood for the Payatas community.

It is hoped that by creating better awareness to the plight of these children, more support can be gathered towards their betterment. Together we can bury poverty!

Did you know that habits can be incredibly powerful tools for personal growth and success? You can change who you are by teaching yourself how to add positive habits to your lifestyle. You can improve your mind, body and soul... Improve your Health...Be More Motivated...Be More Productive...Achieve More Success...Have Unlimited and Boundless Energy...Improve your Self-Esteem

A habit is an acquired behavior pattern regularly followed until it has become almost involuntary.

What is a Positive Habit?A positive habit is simply a habit that produces positive benefits, actions and attitudes you want to acquire and make a part of your life. Why is there such great power in positive habits to effect change? Because habits, by their very nature, are automatic. After a period of time they can become permanent.

Learn about the benefits that positive habits can make in your life and how to create them by reading the 3 part post from my blog, Mind Body and Soul. Just click HERE

Friday, November 21, 2008

With only a few days left before I return to work, I am going for my weekly massage and last therapy treatment tomorrow. My doctor had wanted to send me to physical therapy after my back surgery, but being my brother is a massage therapist, he has been helping with my recovery.

I have to admit I'm addicted to massages. Besides totally relaxing you, the health benefits are many. After just one therapeutic massage, you immediately feel a difference in your body.

My brother had a major set back last year at his school due to a fire, but with the help of Takemi Select he was back teaching in no time. I'm so glad he was able to replace all his equipment and wellness products so fast. So many people depend on him...not only his students, but clients as well...and I am one of them!

If you have never received a professional therapeutic massage, I suggest you treat yourself to one. Relax and reap the health benefits. You deserve it.

If you are already in the field or just interested in getting your own massage products for your home, check out Takemi Select Wholesale Outlets. They are dedicated to deliver top of the line products. Their products range from massage chairs, massage beds to mattresses to foot spas, air purifiers and other health and wellness products. Your body will thank you.

Now with the holidays right around the corner, I want to get my house clean and clutter free. I usually put some of my home decor away to make room for Christmas decorations.If I didn't, it would be clutter overload. I have company all throughout the month of December, so I like everything to be clean and orderly.

I am the type of person that believes everything has a place. I don't have clutter in every room, but I will admit to paperwork sometimes taking over a spot on the counter or on a chair and my biggest problem with clutter is in my closet.

I was watching a show that contained some tips on removing clutter. Although removing clutter isn't associated with cleaning. Clutter needs to be put away, thrown out or donated.

Often people have clutter in their living spaces because of emotional attached to items. I for one have some trouble removing clothes or shoes from my closet. I'm always thinking...I'll wear that one day.

A few tips to help with your closet clutter are:

1. Hang all 'like' clothes together. All long sleeved/short sleeved, Black shirts, white shirts, black pants etc...This will help you from buying duplicate items in colors you already have.

2. How to hang our clothes in the closet: Hang all hangers one way. As you wear an item, turn the hanger the opposite way. When you return the item to the closet, keep the hanger hanging in the opposite direction of all the others. Let 6 - 12 months go by. What ever hangers you have facing the 'other' way, remove that item because if you didn't wear that item for 6-12 months, it is likely you never will. Then decide to throw away or donate.

3. If you already know you haven't worn an article of clothing or pair of shoes in the last 12 months, decide to throw away or donate.

Other Clutter tips:

* Keep flat surfaces clear. Have an inbox for your paperwork, mail and bills. Sort through on a daily basis. Throw out junk mail immediately

* Get three boxes and mark them: Donate, Throw Away and Keep. You could also add a forth box marked Sell if you plan on having a garage sale.Commit to 10-15 minutes each day and take one room at a time. Approach your clutter and decide in which box each item belongs.

* Have Kitchen cabinet clutter? You'll be amazed what you can accomplish in 10 or 15 minutes.Each day, take one cabinet at a time . Don't overwhelm yourself. This process may take several days to complete, but you will feel so good once this task is done.

* Ladies...clutter in the bathroom? Thrown out immediately used, broken or old cosmetics.

* After reading a magazine or newspaper, immediately put in the recycle bin

* Find a 'home' for everything and commit to a clutter free space

Have a clutter tip? Please leave your comment to help others by sharing your ideas and helpful tips.

Thursday, November 20, 2008

Ok, Ladies...are you looking to get the perfect gift for the man in your life? or maybe an unique gift that he would truly appreciate?

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Tuesday, November 18, 2008

The other day while in the food store, I noticed an older gentleman walking through the aisles with a bunch of yellow roses in his hand. It just brought a smile to my face.

I don't know why, but any time I see a man carrying flowers...I smile. Maybe it makes me think about why...is he just bringing flowers to make someone smile, to say I love you or express he's sorry...

Whatever the reason...I see a sensitive and caring man.

On this particular day that I saw this man with the yellow roses it brought a smile to my face for a different reason. First I thought...odd...yellow roses in November? Somehow I associate those flowers with spring and summer. BUT, Hours earlier I had read an email from a friend. Was this coincidence? a sign? a reminder?

Read the email below:

T-bone Steaks and Yellow Roses

I walked into the grocery store not particularly interested in buying groceries. I wasn't hungry. The pain of losing my husband of 57 years was still too raw. And this grocery store held so many sweet memories.

He often came with me and almost every time he'd pretend to go off and look for something special. I knew what he was up to. I'd always spot him walking down the aisle with the three yellow roses in his hands.

He knew I loved yellow roses. With a heart filled with grief, I only wanted to buy my few items and leave, but even grocery shopping was different since he had passed on.

Shopping for one took time, a little more thought than it had for two.

Standing by the meat, I searched for the perfect small steak and remembered how he had loved his steak.

Suddenly a woman came beside me. She was blonde, slim and lovely in a soft green pantsuit. I watched as she picked up a large package of T-bones, dropped them in her basket.. hesitated, and then put them back. She turned to go and once again reached for the pack of steaks.

She saw me watching her and she smiled. 'My husband loves T-bones, but honestly, at these prices, I don't know.'

I swallowed the emotion down my throat and met her pale blue eyes.

'My husband passed away eight days ago,' I told her. Glancing at the package in her hands, I fought to control the tremble in my voice. 'Buy him the steaks. And cherish every moment you have together.'

She shook her head and I saw the emotion in her eyes as she placed the package in her basket and wheeled away.

I turned and pushed my cart across the length of the store to the dairy products. There I stood, trying to decide which size milk I should buy. A Quart, I finally decided and moved on to the ice cream. If nothing else, I could always fix myself an ice cream cone.

I placed the ice cream in my cart and looked down the aisle toward the front. I saw first the green suit, then recognized the pretty lady coming towards me. In her arms she carried a package. On her face was the brightest smile! I had ever seen. I would swear a soft halo encircled her blonde hair as she kept walking toward me, her eyes holding mine.

As she came closer, I saw what she held and tears began misting in my eyes. 'These are for you,' she said and placed three beautiful long stemmed yellow roses in my arms. 'When you go through the line, they will know these are paid for.' She leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on my cheek, then smiled again. I wanted to tell her what she'd done, what the roses meant, but still unable to speak, I watched as she walked away as tears clouded my vision

I looked down at the beautiful roses nestled in the green tissue wrapping and found it almost unreal. How did she know? Suddenly the answer seemed so clear. I wasn't alone.

Oh, you haven't forgotten me, have you? I whispered, with tears in my eyes. He was still with me, and she was his angel.

Sunday, November 16, 2008

As some of my followers know,the last 7 months were a bit tough for me. Being diagnosed with Crohn's disease and sick for several months and then in October having back surgery.

I can't even begin to tell you how many times I was asked about my family's health history. I am fortunate that I do know my family's history and that helped doctors not only treat my health conditions, but make sure certain tests were administered properly and also look for potential health risks.

Do you know your families health history? If not, it truly is important to obtain this information if possible. Knowledge can be your best gift.

The holidays are right around the corner. Many of us spend time with our families to celebrate. Why not also use this time to learn about your family's history? Did you realize that certain health conditions or diseases can skip a generation? or show up from one generation to the next?

Having this discussion with your family will not only give you necessary information if you (or your children) ever need to manage your own health conditions, but you will also be sharing stories and memories. Spending Quality time with family...

Friday, November 14, 2008

Well, I started my Christmas shopping this month and I am almost done. Stuck on a few ideas for Mom and my brother. They are always the hardest to buy for. They have everything!

I noticed I am paying attention to the sales more than usual and taking advantage of specials buys. Money is tighter now, not only due to the economic situation we are facing, but also because I've been home recovering from my back surgery.

I'm not just buying gifts because they cost less. I'm looking for the best deal on an item I want.I'm proud of myself for spending half the amount I spent last year (so far) and to be honest, my selections this year are even better.

I also don't buy online until I look for those online coupon codes I have posted about before. Believe me, don't pay for anything until you check out if there are coupons for the store you are buying from. There are coupons for just about every store, so don't think there aren't offers out there. There ARE! I have saved SO much money this way. If you are looking at an item from Amazon, or Best Buy or even JC Penneys...just enter store name + Coupons in your browser and you will see a list of codes available. Do this with every store you intend to purchase from. THe savings will add up.

There are also sites showcasing Black Friday deals expected. The deals are crazy good, so don't do any shopping until you check out the best deal for the item you are looking for. Why spend more, right? Get the best value for your money.

I had a poll on this site in October. My question was: Will the Current Economy Affect Your Holidays? According to my readers responses, most of us are feeling the affects and will spend less.

71.4 % said they WILL spend less this holiday season28.6 % responded they haven't thought about the holidays yet

I am thinking that when the 28.6 % of the people start thinking about the holidays, they will indeed spend less.

Have you started your Holiday shopping and if so, do you find you are spending less?

Sisters are there, no matter how much time and how many miles are between you.

A girl friend is never farther away than needing her can reach.

When you have to walk that lonesome valley and you have to walk it by yourself, the women in your life will be on the valley's rim, cheering you on, praying for you, pulling for you, intervening on your behalf, and waiting with open arms at the valley's end.

Sometimes, they will even break the rules and walk beside you...Or come in and carry you out.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

This morning when I was out doing some errands, I returned home with a feeling of contentment. I'm not sure what came over me, but all of a sudden I felt comfort. Maybe it was the smell of fall in the air... the leaves on the ground gave off a warm, sweet scent. It even brought back a memory of childhood when my father and I would rack all the leaves in a pile. He'd then give me that smile...the one I understood...it was okay for me to jump in the pile of leaves.

Have you ever just felt a sudden feeling that everything in your world is going the way it should, feeling contentment and comforted? If so, was there a memory attached to this feeling?

Sunday, November 2, 2008

I was at a family gathering last weekend and one thing that hasn't left my mind is a discussion that took place regarding college tuition.

Learning that my younger cousin is in debt $70,000 from college tuition just upset me. Here is someone that wanted to further his education and try to create a future for himself in a field he enjoys, but now has to start life with so much debt. I can't even imagine having that amount of debt hanging over me. He has to repay this debt at quite a substantial amount each month. How will he afford just 'living'?! buy a house or even a car?

To make matters worse, he isn't even working in the field he received his degree in. Jobs are hard to come by, especially now. Students coming right out of college are forced to take jobs that pay less or are finding it hard to even find employment.

How sad...of course this subject brought other topics to mind, but I will keep those opinions to myself.

I also wonder what will happen in years to come.How will our children be able to afford going to college? If the parents cannot afford to help with expenses, how will they do it?

The children that are just reaching high school age and for those already in their senior year and looking to further their education...what will happen to them?

Are the teachers or professors getting a fair salary? I doubt it...who is getting all this money from college tuition?

These thoughts keep creeping in my mind...it is just so sad that our world is in this state...

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